I'm making a booklet about why+how to build a fixed gear for a design class. It's basically going to be a short intro followed by a straightforward set of diagrams identifying major parts, what to look for, and how to put it all together. Mostly it's just a design exercise, but I think it would be cool if it really were comprehensive and accurate. So two questions: First, what do you wish you'd thought of/known when you were building your first whips? and second: would anyone (with more experience than me, meaning a lot of people here) be interested in taking a look at the finished book and giving suggestions?

I'm going to lay it out in two colors (black and red) formatted for saddle-stapled 8.5"x11" paper--basically, that means it'll be relatively cheap to print, with the view that bike shops could stock them and give/sell them to people who are interested. Like i said, it's just a project, but I'd love to find a way to make it useful.Geryon was a monster everything about him was red.

one thing i would have liked to have have known in the beginning is why people prefer a "Track" bike over a conversion (raised bb, steeper and tighter geometry, quick turns good for city riding, rear facing dropouts).

this has some ok info, some good basic stuff, and lots of good citations.boooyah

totally didn't think of that. i could either use a screened-back red, so there'd be an obvious difference in values, or i could switch to blue or something. thanks!

and Travis, thanks. I'm going to have a spread where i go into each of the main parts--frame, wheels, drivetrain etc. with advice on what to look for/avoid, so that's great.Geryon was a monster everything about him was red.

don't rule out conversions since they have benefits too:often can be high quality for cheap moneyforward facing dropouts make taking wheel off easiermore clearance for wider tires, fendersUsually have rack/fender mountsIMHO they make better commuter bikes..

Other info that would have been nice is a guide to what bikes use which standards.. Italian, French, but some of those now use english.., different BB, different handlebar clasp,,, those are the big ones..

This is kinda lame, but you could talk about what is considered "hot".. Like.. risers+drop stem is popular, track drops, and using BMX or cross levers for front brakes, and dog erection tape jobs.. like a "best practices" to make a hipster bike.. heh

Also, brake reach issues on conversions going from 27" to 700C as a heads up..

I have tons of stuff like that bookmark, let me know if you need other design resources or web programing stuff.

cool, thanks. I'm mostly messing with vector stuff--it's easiest to color the way i want, and I've only got 16 pages, so i'm going for a minimalist/ beginner approach (i.e. assuming people have a frame + fork, so not going into how to build that, BB, wheelbuilding, etc) both because I want it to be accessible/not scary and because I haven't done that stuff yet. It's kind of "how to build a beater" in that sense--it assumes some partly-assembled components like you could scavenge from existing bikes. Other (simpler) things, like cogs + chainrings, chain, cranks, pedals, brakes (well, brake), handlebars, and new tubes + tires I'll talk about in more detail, as well as the final assembly of the bike.Geryon was a monster everything about him was red.

I have tons of stuff like that bookmark, let me know if you need other design resources or web programing stuff.

cool, thanks. I'm mostly messing with vector stuff--it's easiest to color the way i want, and I've only got 16 pages, so i'm going for a minimalist/ beginner approach (i.e. assuming people have a frame + fork, so not going into how to build that, BB, wheelbuilding, etc) both because I want it to be accessible/not scary and because I haven't done that stuff yet. It's kind of "how to build a beater" in that sense--it assumes some partly-assembled components like you could scavenge from existing bikes. Other (simpler) things, like cogs + chainrings, chain, cranks, pedals, brakes (well, brake), handlebars, and new tubes + tires I'll talk about in more detail, as well as the final assembly of the bike.

+1 to the bottom bracket threading/size differences. I wish I'd known before I started my Raleigh, else I'd have been smarter and bought a Shogun or something. I think chainline in general needs a lot of attention. Maybe do something about making sure your chainring is as centered as possible, selecting the right spacers, etc.

I think learning curve is important: pedal strikes, getting thrown off the bike if you try to coast, finger deth at the work stand, etc.

Most essential tool: 6" adjustable wrench or hex multi-tool, depending on vintage. Duh for patch kit and pump. And lube/cleaning stuff.Think you're escaping and run into yourself. Longest way round is the shortest way home.

I'd like to point you toward a 'zine that Puma put out a couple of years ago. The author is some NY messenger and he said that track bikes are a fashion accessory that can get you killed!-robot[all your base are belong to us]